Apple's entry-level smart speaker finally has a sequel. The HomePod Mini 2, announced at Apple's Welcome Home event last month at $149, is now in reviewers' hands — and The Verge's first look lands mostly positive, flagging three things to love and one disappointment.

The context matters: it has been six years since Apple launched the original HomePod Mini, an eternity in the smart-home category. In that span, competitors iterated repeatedly on their small speakers while Apple's stayed frozen, making this refresh one of the more overdue updates in the company's lineup.

The Verge's early impressions touch on Siri, smart home integration, and the speaker's role alongside the Mac — suggesting Apple is positioning the Mini 2 as more than a music puck, folding it deeper into its home and desktop ecosystems.

The $149 price holds the line against inflation-era hardware creep, keeping the Mini 2 as Apple's cheapest entry into its ecosystem. Full reviews will show whether the one disappointment is a dealbreaker or a quibble.